How to Solve Error Conflicting types for function in c

Defining the Error "Conflicting types for function c" #

The word "conflicting" is used to describe two or more things that cannot all be right or cannot all happen at the same time. The "Conflicting types for function c" error is a common issue that can occur when writing C or C++ code.

When a function is declared, it tells the compiler what the function's name is, what parameters it takes, and what its return type is. The compiler uses this information to ensure that the function is called correctly in other parts of the code.

The error occurs when the return type of a function named "c" is different between its declaration and definition. In other words, the function is declared with one return type in one location, but then defined with a different return type in another location.

Why does this Error Occur? #

The "Conflicting types for function c" error is caused by a difference between the return type of a function in its declaration and definition.

In C and C++, a function is typically declared in a header file or above the int main() function in the same source file which provides the compiler with information about the function's name, parameters, and return type. The function's definition, which includes the actual code for the function, is typically located in a separate source file or in the same source file below the same int main() function.

When the compiler encounters the function's definition, it compares the return type of the function in the definition to the return type of the function in the declaration. If the two do not match, the compiler generates the "Conflicting types for function c" error.

Here is an example which will generate same error.

#include  
int c(int a, int b);              // Declaration of function c with return type int

int main()
{
        c(5, 12);
        return 0;
}void c(int a, int b) {          // Definition of function c with return type void          printf("a:  %d", a);}

The error will look something like below.

D:\c-program\main.c|13|error: conflicting types for 'c'|
D:\c-program\main.c|4|note: previous declaration of 'c' was here|
||=== Build failed: 1 error(s), 0 warning(s) (0 minute(s), 1 second(s)) ===|

How to Solve the Error? #

"Conflicting types for function c" error is typically generated when there is a difference between the decalaration and definition of function. In order to avoid this error make sure that the return type of the function in the declaration and definition match. If the error is caused by a distinction between the return type of the function in its declaration and definition, the solution is to ensure that the return types match. In the example provided earlier, we change the definition and declaration of the function "c" to have either a return type of int or void as done below. This will solve the issue.

#include  
int c(int a, int b);              // Declaration of function c with return type int

int main()
{
        c(5, 12);
        return 0;
}int c(int a, int b) {          // Definition of function c with return type void          printf("a:  %d", a);}

The Conclusion

In conclusion, the "Conflicting types for function c" error is a common error that can occur in C and C++ programming when there is a mismatch between the return type of a function in its declaration and definition. To solve this error, you need to ensure that the return type of the function in the declaration and definition match. Understanding the cause of this error and knowing how to fix it can help you write more efficient and error-free code in C and C++ programming.